Underground

Underground Information

Added: 29 January 2009 | Updated: 17 March 2009

The London Underground is the oldest and deepest tube network in the world. No suprise then that it is a gargantuan task to make the Victorian infrastructure anywhere near as accessible as we would like it to be.

Currently only 48 stations have step free access – that is, access from the street to the ticket hall, from the ticket hall to the platform, and finally from the platform to the train. The arrival of the Olympics in 2012 has certainly shaken things up and a series of refurbishments are planned. So the future of accessible tube travel looks bright – but for those wanting to travel now, the obstacles of the current network remain.

We believe the key to accessible tube travel is to plan ahead.

A number of very useful PDF maps produced by Transport for London will tell you exactly what accessibility is like at the station(s) you want to use. We particularly like the Tfl Underground step free guide and the accompanying step free guide index

Also, a great website listing access details of every Underground station is Direct Enquiries. A number of stations have audible descriptions available from Describe Online. An Audio version of the tube map can be obtained from TfL’s Customer Service Centre – Tel: 0845 330 9880.

You can order all the underground maps in various formats from the TfL website:

https://www.tfl.gov.uk/tfl/gettingaround/accessibility-guides/default.aspx

Transport for London’s (TfL) 24-hour travel information centre Tel: 020 7222 1234 / Minicom 020 7918 3015 or The Journey Planner site are also great resources for planning ahead.

Other Tube Tips:

All Tube station car parks operated by London Underground have accessible spaces, free for use by Blue Badge holders.

Assistance from Underground staff.

All Underground staff have Disability Equality training and should be able and willing to use it to assist you. Whether you need a hand with tickets, travel information, or getting through the ticket barrier as well as getting on and off the train – don’t be shy to ask for help.

All LU ticket offices have induction loops, which you can use by switching your hearing aid to the T position.

Have dog will travel.

If you have a guide dog, staff will help you to avoid escalators where possible, or stop them to allow you and your dog to walk. However, at busy times it may not be possible to stop escalators immediately, due to overcrowding. If you feel able you may carry your dog on the escalator.

Tactile warning surfaces are being installed on all staircases and priority seats are being introduced on platforms.

Boarding a train

A member of staff will help you onto the train and if necessary, help you find a seat. They will then call ahead to your destination or interchange stations and arrange for a member of staff to meet and assist you there too.

Mind the Gap

Many stations have a step into the train which may be as high as 12 inches (300mm). There may also be a gap. Please check before you travel whether you can manage this.

On the train

All trains have priority seating, clearly marked next to doors. These are for disabled people, pregnant women, older people, and those travelling with children. Customers are expected to leave these seats free or vacate them if they see someone who might require a seat. If no one offers, feel free to ask!

District, Jubilee and Northern lines have multipurpose areas suitable for wheelchairs, luggage and pushchairs.

All trains, apart from the Metropolitan line and some District line trains, have automatic voice announcements. These announce the current and next stations, and the destination of the train.

Service disruption information will be broadcast by the driver using the public address system.

The District, Jubilee, Northern and Piccadilly lines have visual information displays inside the train. These show the current and next stations, and the destination of the train.